"A child's learning is the function more of the characteristics of his classmates than those of the teacher." James Coleman, 1972

Friday, January 18, 2013

Sloppy Smart(sic)Brief

Sloppy Smart(sic)Brief
S Krashen

The ASCD Worldwide Edition of Smart(sic)Brief announced the publication of an article in the Telegraph (UK) with this heading: “Educator calls for UK students to be tested on character.” Unlike the author of this heading, I read the article. It did not mention the possibility of testing students on character. In fact, it quoted administrators as being critical of the over-emphasis on test scores.

I am sure the testing-industrial-complex would love to develop and sell tests on character, along complete with video-taping of planned and unplanned behavior, as well as traditional tests.

The title of the article is “Pupils 'should get lessons in manners and punctuality'”. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/9804096/Pupils-should-get-lessons-in-manners-and-punctuality.html